Page 23 of Operation: Valiant Angel

He walked beside her in silence until they could see the beachfront of the resort ahead. “It’s been a nice evening talking with you.”

“I believe you mean that. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out as you probably expected, a night in bed.”

“Expected, no. Desired, yes. Disappointed, a little. But you were straight from the beginning of what tonight would and wouldn’t be.”

“Thank you for your honesty,” she said.

“And yours. I appreciate someone who states their intentions and boundaries.”

“I’m often called a bitch, or worse, because of it.”

“I’m sure you are. Most men don’t really want that kind of honesty from a woman they’ve met and are hoping to take to bed. They want the possibility that if they play it just right, the no will turn into a maybe, which will become a yes before the night’s over,” he said.

She laughed. “I don’t know why people play games like that. It’s no wonder so many people are single and can’t find lasting love, if that’s really a thing.”

“You don’t believe in true love?” he asked.

“I didn’t say true love. I said lasting love. I think people do truly fall in love, or think they do. The problem is it doesn’t last. Or maybe it’s that once the initial rush of hormones people newly in love experience wear off, they discover the other person isn’t who they thought they were or wished they would be. The divorce rate wouldn’t be what it is if that wasn’t the case.”

“I never thought of it that way,” he said.

“You’re single. Have you ever been head-over-heels in love?” she asked.

Wilson laughed uncomfortably. “A very long time ago.”

“Not recently?” she pressed.

“I’ve been too busy and not in situations that would allow me to have personal relationships,” he answered honestly.

She nodded her understanding. “You’re married to your career. I am too. It’s been a long road for me to be as close as I am to earning my doctorate. There’s been a lot of sacrifices, putting my education first. But it’s worth it. Can you say the same thing?”

With no hesitation, Wilson answered, “Yes, it has. The mission is important. There aren’t many who can do the job we do.”

“You make the world a better place,” she said.

“I’d like to think so,” he said. He knew the people they helped would agree with that statement.

“Do you ever feel something is missing in your life?”

“No,” he replied automatically. He was completely content with his life.

“You are a rarity, Jimmy,” she said. She once again raised up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I wish I’d met you a few years from now, when I may have time in my life for a relationship. You’re just the type of man I would want to share my life with, someone who is satisfied with their own life and not needing another to make them complete.”

“I’d say the same of you, Tanya.”

“Goodbye, Jimmy. Enjoy your time on the island and have a safe trip home.” She kissed his lips once more and then stepped away.

“Safe travels home, Tanya,” he said.

He watched her walk back to the resort until she was out of sight.

Foxtrot

The next day they took a boat they chartered over to St. Johns where there were multiple shipwreck sites to explore and Eagle Shoals, where they investigated underwater arches, tunnels and caves. It was a full day of diving. Seated on the front of the boat as it made its way back to the dock on St. Thomas, Wilson scanned the horizon, where the sun was dropping towards the coastline in front of them. His conversation the previous evening with Tanya was still in his thoughts.

Tessman made his way forward with two cans of beer in his hand. He took a seat beside Wilson and handed him one. “This beats the hell out of winter in Chicago.”

Wilson popped the can open and took a hearty swig. “It sure does,” he said after he’d swallowed. “Shepherd told me I’m being pulled from the next PGP Install and reassigned to the next CIA mission.” He was sure they were far enough away from the boat crew that he wouldn’t be heard. “I’m replacing the Undertaker. His wife is pregnant with twins, and they have a doctor’s appointment he wants to attend.”

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